Setsubun

Eriko’s not home, so it’s my job to tell you about Setsubun, a holiday I just learned about yesterday. Let’s see how I do!

Setsubun means “division of the seasons,” and there are four Setsubun days throughout the year. The most special of these is celebrated on February 2nd this year (often February 3rd), Risshun, which marks the end of Winter and first day of Spring. It’s like Groundhog Day in Japan.

It is believed that Oni, or demons, appear on Setsubun, and it is necessary to drive them away. The rituals for doing so vary by region, but the most common is to throw soybeans at their eyes. People scatter roasted soybeans around their houses to ward off Jaki, or negative vibes.

Check out some children performing a standard ritual, called Mamemaki:

Kawaii!

It is often the father’s job to dress as an oni while the children throw roasted soybeans, or fukumame, at them and shout “Out with the devil! In with good fortune!” Then you gather up the beans and eat one for every year you’ve been alive, plus one more to ensure good health throughout the year.

How’d I do in explaining this, Eriko? Let’s get her response:

“Good job!”

You heard her. I did good!